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Cordons were put up at Lower Castle Street and the Horsefair preventing people and traffic from getting close to Cabot Circus.

People were also stopped from entering the Marriot hotel and NCP car park.

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A police spokesman said: “Earlier this evening we received a call in relation to Cabot Circus Shopping Centre.

“Officers attended and the shopping centre made the decision to evacuate.

“The safety of the public is paramount and a cordon and traffic diversions have been put in place as a precaution.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding at this time.”

Lower Castle Street was cordoned off (Image: Michael Yong)

A spokeswoman for Cabot Circus said: “We have temporarily evacuated the centre in response to an alert, and the emergency services are in attendance, the safety of our staff and customers is our number one priority.”

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Shortly after the alarm sounded, a witness said: “I thought it was a fire drill so left the shop very casually, then realised that every single shop was emptying and the alarm was going off everywhere.”

A search of the shopping centre lasted until about 9.50pm, before the cordon was lifted.

The police spokesman added: "The cordon and road diversions put in place around Cabot Circus Shopping Centre in Bristol this evening have now been lifted.

"The centre has been reopened after it was established there was no risk to the public.

"Our priority is always to protect you and ensure you are safe and we’d like to thank you all for your support and understanding.

"Please remain alert but not alarmed and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to us on 101 or in an emergency call 999."